O Stars Above: Libra Full Moon

Prologue to a New Astrological Year

Sitting at the foot of the Olympic Mountains where Greek gods and goddesses may romp, we must not forget the power of their archetypal myths. Archetypes emerge from parts of our human brains. Fairy tales, stories, TV shows, movies, operas, song lyrics, news stories, even religious lore grab our attention when their underpinnings are archetypal. We need these classic comedic and tragic stories of men, women, children, lovers, parents and ancestors, heroes and jesters, elders, teachers, politicians, servants because they are instructional in their endless permutations of pursuing wants and needs.

We are fascinated by stories of “once upon a time” where the “hero with a thousand faces” marches on whether it is through a forest to a forbidden castle, to a galaxy far-far away, or a quest to Mt. Doom. We become Dorothy, Frodo, Harry and Luke longing to both be and have worthy companions like the Lion, the Tin Man and Straw Man, Companions of the Ring or friends at the Star Wars Cantina. We pray for magical helpers like Yoda or Gandalf, Oz the Terrible or Dumbledore to save us from Darth Vader, Sauron, a Wicked Witch of the West or Val de Mort.

Astrology's power and fascination lies in archetypes where planets named for gods and goddesses interact weaving star stories in charts of individuals as well as nations. Each month a new and full moon call the Olympian court together and in their timeless antics we imagine and re-imagine meanings, possibilities and pathways for our lives.

The Adventure Begins: The Strategic Dance of Partners

The gods and goddesses gathered at this full moon's (March 31 at 5:36 am PDT) are unsettled but the mood is slack. Mars and Aries, however, are not sluggish energies. (See, the plot thickens already!)

Mars wins the starring role (pun!) as ruler of the dynamic Aries' Sun. In the earthy realm of Capricorn, where Mars is a prince he's meeting up with its king, Saturn. Both are talented in strategy and action. Saturn bears the standard of a realistic, conservative, long-term view while Mars represents the youthful, hot-for-action warrior energy. But, both are as direct, focused and pointed as spears.

Aries and Mars move fast-fast-fast. Capricorn and Saturn move slow-slow-slow. To contain this energy split, we can use it physically while considering emerging options. Brisk walk, anyone?

Mercury retrograde in Aries slows down the fast, forward motion of the sign and cautions us to review, rethink and reconsider what exactly we want to accomplish. In other words, he's aligned with the stately, strategical conference of Mars and Saturn, even as the energy revs up underneath.

The question they are discussing is What target is worthy of this moment and the beginning of a two-year cycle between Mars and Saturn? How do we want to invest our lives' time, money and energy? School? Job? Building a family?

Political action and social legacy? The March for Our Lives in Washington DC last weekend combined the youthful, dynamic energy (Aries) supported by the “gray-hairs” (Capricorns) along the route demonstrated that route. The subject? Aries-ruled war machines. The Saturn-Mars combo beginning its new cycle under the auspices of a fiery, dynamic and youthful Sun in Aries lends power and significance to their movement.

But, let us not forget that on any dark and starry night, the full moon's brightness commands attention. This one in harmonious Libra Moon can be our greatest ally – when we know what we want and work with allies and around people who represent obstacles in skillful ways! Libra's queen, Venus, currently resides in Taurus, her other kingdom, as Queen of peace. This double-crowned Moon manages a handful of gods agitating for action, but she is a wily, charming influence.

If we let her, Libra reminds us that social graces can balance the needs of many through mature and skillful manners. If we let her, Libra points out how quickly allies can turn into enemies, and enemies friends. If we let her, Libra shows us no one is the Lone Ranger (not even Hans Solo) and we need allies no matter how courageous our warrior spirit is.

Much is at stake under this dynamic Moon. Engage in the inner work and win consciousness.

Horoscope March 31 to April 15

Aries, Uranus, the Liberator, has been in Aries for seven years of breakthroughs - revolution for evolution. This is the last month in your lifetime (!) your Sun and Mercury come together with this spicy energy. You are as prepared as you can be. Act, but keep your allies close and enemies closer.

Taurus, Venus in the house, feel the love directed at you! Consider it grace, or going with the flow. Find or recognize your natural work partners and colleagues. Ease up and take a bit of a break as you end a year and prepare to start anew. Finish up old business. Change is coming!

Gemini, network like there is no tomorrow. Touch base with go-getters and shakers and movers you've let go. Make a list and call, write or e-mail everyone you think might help in the future. You've done much lately but no one does it alone. Count yourself IN and master-mind a strategy!

Cancer, for a sensitive being, the energies are a tad intense but this is about how you plan on using your platform. Invite partners into your home for strategic meetings. It's hard to sit still with this complex energetic mix. Take some time-out at home. Take a bath. You are balancing energies for all.

Leo, changes in beliefs and high falutin' ideas are shaking up. Travel or give it time. Hang with caring friends. Nurthure your body, a focal point for extreme energy. Walk, garden, yoga, diet, adjust your daily routines. You're graceful on top, paddling like crazy underneath! Quack!

Virgo, getting alignment between your values and those of nearest and dearest is a stretch. You want recognition and respect - bless you! Sometimes we have to affirm ourselves. Sigh! It's tough stabilizing the group with change ahead. Take a deep breath and reconsider your approach. Sigh!

Libra, what you want emotionally and what the realities are around relationships and home are in a delicate balance. Move with your customary grace. You know your values and those of your partners. Be a diplomat on your own behalf. Try letting your partner lead and rest a bit.

Scorpio, this moon could have you feeling emotional, vulnerable or not quite up to “it”. Take down town and tune into your inner vibes and psychic sensitivities. If tuning out is too much, do a bit of service for someone. Focus on the mundane and neighborhood.

Sagittarius, even amidst networking there are people you feel a kinship with. They are the ones who make you feel good about yourself. Stick to them and take a step to bring them into your friendship circle. For the moment, your guardian angel is working way behind the scenes.

Capricorn, when you want time off, delegate a bit and head home - your body needs a break. You need time to work on a new strategy - one that balances home, work and health. Everyone wants to use your executive abilities but your ambitions are changing. Tread carefully.

Aquarius, talk, talk, talk but right action comes from the heart. Don't close yours by being too busy. If you aren't feeling that sensitive, soul spot, check in with buddies you can count on to hold the heart center while you bear down getting more done than you can see. Root changes are ahead.

Pisces, face your fears, especially the ones that have to do with people you “think” hold power over you. Loss of inheritance, sexual partner, not getting the loan, or the approval of whoever? The power they hold over you is in your mind. Value yourself enough to face your fear and set yourself free.

O Stars Above: Pisces New Moon

Let Love, Compassion and Forgiveness Blossom

Finding our way out of winter makes March tricky terrain every year. But with a plethora of planets in watery Pisces (!) it's easy to feel adrift unless we embrace the opportunity to experience our unity with everyone - plus plants, animals, rocks, and even mystical dimensions of fairies, angels and aliens. (Think of them as symbols if it helps.)

Pisces blurs the edges between our egocentric selves and the broader experience of the mysterious universe available to us. We are in the 'wave' of consciousness and can feel lost to ourselves in this unfamiliar territory where spirit and matter cease to exist as duality. They are a unity, part of a whole. The New Moon in Pisces ( March 17 @ 6:11 am PDT) bridges the gap between dreamy days of winter and energetic spring – but just barely! Mercury and Venus like those harbingers of spring, the robins and crocuses, forged their way into Aries on March 5 and 6 signaling a return to our sense of individuality where we are 'particles' of consciousness.

Astrologers and many cultures celebrate the Spring Equinox as a new year. Remembering that new moons are times to plant intentions and with this one coming a mere four days before the equinox, it's an especially potent time to set our hopes and aspirations for the new cycle. It is zero degrees Aries which infuses us with a dynamic energy to carry us forward.

This moon travels with Chiron, the Wounded Healer, who offers us a look at how far we have come in releasing our isolation and including ourselves in the Piscean sense of oneness. What illusions, addictions, powerlessness or victimhood have you released over the last eight years? How has unconditional love, compassion and forgiveness blossomed in your life over that time? Good work, and keep it going until spring and Aries arrive in abundance.

Horoscope March 17-31

Pisces, you embody unity. Catch the vision of how spirit moves through your body and personality. The more you are you, the more spirit moves you. (Dance, ballerina, dance.) The lesson you carry we need. If confusion sets in, let a girl friend untangle you.

Aries, Uranus, the planet of unequivocal individuality, has traveled Aries for YEARS! It moves on soon so make good use of it now. Break through barriers keeping you from your unapologetic, radiant self. There is a warrior in you. Take on the good fights!

Taurus, you've gone all altruistic on us. Good, your associates need your pragmatic philanthropy. The source of this benevolence lies in time with nature, music, quiet and dreams so don't skimp on down time. It fuels your sense of beauty, harmony and values making life richer.

Gemini, before tilting at windmills, you need a girl-friend conference to sort yourself out and pick a direction. A renewed sense of the common good is calling for your attention in your 8-5 job. Let the word out to your network. You are ready!

Cancer, your executive skills seek employment, collaboration and an exploration of the mysteries of the universe! Knowing your purpose and surrendering to it is the point of your life. Breakthroughs in how the dimensions intersect abound and you are travel through them.

Leo, creating is your game and when you dedicate it to the common good, you yourself are re-created and passions fire up. Dedicate your art to the art itself and those who benefit. Take a break from personal desires and let the river carry you. Stay positive and keep the faith.

Virgo, plant new intentions concerning close friends, spouse and enemies. Pile on the compassion and forgiveness. Yes, you spend LOTS of energy dealing with their stuff, literally. If they are gentle souls, remember they soothe your frayed nerves. For balance? A gossipy lunch with a witty friend!

Libra, for a relationship-oriented person wanting peace and harmony, relationships are a mine-field. Let friends sort you out and don't argue. Just listen! It would be hard for you to work too hard - it's not your thing, But it may be your turn and no time for a 'headache'. Sacrifice for a cause.

Scorpio, four days and counting before work goes into high gear at equinox. Put all ideas on the table and get creative. Then, enact the plan! Personal opportunities that opened up over last fall are up for review. It may be a question of which ones you want and how to balance them.

Sagittarius, what was up in the air could appear to be grinding to a standstill. It's just your guardian angel rehashing recent undertakings. Check your roots and home for details that trip you up. Untangle skeletons in the closet and watch your natural enthusiasm resurface.

Capricorn, a life, body and health renovation goes on even as things appear to fall apart. Bring your ambition home to the family. Focus on what you want - not what you are assigned to do. Inappropriate responsibility ruins health, family, relationships and work. Don't go there!

Aquarius, here's the scenario: you sold the idea, money is flowing your way and you are working like crazy behind the scenes. You may doubt yourself, so keep talking to allies, keep good records and keep going. You won't know you can until you do. Put your hands on the steering wheel.

O Stars Above: Virgo Full Moon

Sweet Energy and a Softened Heart

Aquarius takes us to the highest reaches of humankind and deposits us at the gate of Pisces' garden where a new landscape appears. The Sun along with four other planets in Pisces shifts our focus to a magical, elusive world connected to visions and all that is. Here Pisces' language of myths and metaphors unlocks our potential to experience mystical connection. Through the symbols and archetypes of music, poetry, dreams, dance, art, nature and literature we step over into a new experience where we personally connect with the unity of all life.

Some people want to live in that world as exclusively as others only want to live in this “real” world. Drugs and Jim Beam can take you to Pisces Land – but that is an illusion, no more real than the idea of “Beam me up, Scottie!” And to live in only one of the two dimensions is a poor life indeed.

The true route to this magical land lies through our hearts, cracked and tender from life's journey through the eleven previous signs. Softened and humbled, we leave our isolating ego and step into a world of spirit where body and soul merge. We could call it a whole brain hallucination or a peak experience. Whatever! It is a rich rebirth and we are returned to our innocence.

The Virgo full moon (March 1, 4:51 pm PST) interrupts our watery revery and asks for balance. Even as our souls are fed, our bodies need bread. Tying daily work to spiritual service lightens the load on the Virgo end and keeps us grounded on the Pisces' side. However, Virgo and Pisces blend beautifully in jobs that care for both bodies and soul: medicine, yoga, meditation and massage, NGOs, hospitals and hospice, restaurants and hotels, humane societies and ecological work.

Wounds surface when they are ready for healing which leaves us more caring and kind. This full moon holds a promise of healing what keeps us separated from the great mysteries of life. Go gently - it isn't easy being an Earth Angel!

Horoscope March 1 – 17

Pisces, going with the flow comes naturally but a tsunami of Pisces planets may leave you overwhelmed. Take time to do inner visionary work. (Make art?) Focus on letting others open doors for you. Your work in the world expands in wonderful ways.

Aries, the world is too much with you and your attention's gone fuzzy. Are you clinging to “the way it is” and blocking soul experience? Smell the primroses, shift gears down and rest - which could look like an adventure without a schedule. You are in a different world.

Taurus, kind friends and philanthropic service balances you out so you can you remember “not all things that are important can be measured” (Einstein). From a refreshed perspective, see who and how you can help. It could be fun! Definitely, practical.

Gemini, you try to maintain logic, Data! But your true, right work is intuitive, must have heart and means something personal to you. It could have a legacy or tradition attached to it, maybe from your family. Putter around at home. It will come to you.

Cancer, the highest and best philosophy feels suffering and does something to help. You are right there. Let it work through you. Reach out to neighbors or family to help with pragmatic problems. The right person (or was that an angel?) lands in your lap right on time.

Leo, there is a network of angels applauding every step you take. Open your heart to trust the process, the universe, your near and dear, even, yourself. Do what works for you and your energy, resources, body, and interests and it will be enough. Rest.

Virgo, you can be so persnickety and you know it. But, look at the multitude of angels preparing the way for you every day. Noticing, expressing gratitude and believe it or not, asking for more help, lightens you up. Put your load down, brother.

Libra, set your intention to get to the bottom of any mysterious health issue. Follow your gut. Try an alternative path, energy healing along with allopathic work. Open to the mystical, and fall into kindness and caring as an expression of your heart, not your manners.

Scorpio, your values are yours alone and so don't go preaching. Invest in fun and games, a little adventure. Part of the break you need is from your brain ruts. Trust the world to hold you and let the healing begin. Figure out your own hidden agenda, Sherlock!

Sagittarius, your guardian angel is working overtime to connect you with a mother lode of compassion. Choose - preaching or falling into a spiritual experience. You can't get there talking about it! It comes in daydreams, sleep, through family history and ancestors. Don't talk. Shhhhhh!!!!

Capricorn, it comes to you through poetry or lyrics. You are most pragmatic. Even then you feel the suffering and quietly burn with compassion and caring. Capricornian Martin Luther King dreamt a Piscean dream and made it real in one word - march. One foot in front of the other. It is enough.

Aquarius, eclipses warmed your cool intellect, a (r)evolution grows at your very roots and there's a mighty push at your back. You may be shifting into a kinder, gentler you, but there is a wave of feeling that won't leave you alone. There's work to do - gather the troops and help the People.

O Stars Above: Aquarius New Moon - Solar Eclipse

Awakening the Path between Head and Heart

The winds of change howl when eclipses are waking us up. However the time from one eclipse to the next one, fourteen days later, is a bit of betwixt and between. The lunar eclipse (January 31) granted us a chance to glimpse outdated wounds from our past which inhibit us in ways we normally can't see. Seeing beyond the veil of our everyday, knee-jerk reactions lets us reset our emotions. With this brighter awareness we can make different decisions in moving forward although that can come after the second eclipse.

The solar eclipse (February 15 at 1:05 pm PST), the monthly new moon, uses the emotional reset of the eclipsed moon to reset the sun's impulses. Aquarius' cooler emotions and ability to detach brings unseen possibilities, broader adventures and a return of our personal zest!

In an extraordinarily long period with no planets in retrograde motion, the momentum for moving forward down our path surprises us as we dare take the fork in the road that feels right and pick up speed. After abandoning the the path of resistance, the long, exhausting and unrewarding one, we remember that the path between the head and the heart is the shortest. The re-energized heart instinctively chooses right action.

Mercury travels with the Sun and Moon. This trio feels the sizzle of Uranus, ruler of Aquarius and the Higher Mind, igniting innovative, and evolutionary thoughts in lightening-bolt style. Aquarius, the last air sign, sends a clarion call for us to step into a more mature mind, one capable of holding dichotomies, koans and diverse points of view and knowing that all have a valid point - and a place at the table of humankind.

All we have to do is climb out of fixed and rigid ruts and be Bearers of Light.

Horoscopes February 15 to March 1

Aquarius, your work and open doors lie where the resistance is in you. Who do you think might not deserve a place at the table? Well, sit right down beside them (an older, established authority figure?) and prepare to discover your fear, open your heart and make a new ally.

Pisces, Venus bridges the gap between humans and idealism. Or is that fantasy? Take a bit of a retreat to consider how deep the wounds go that keep you feeling isolated, like a fish out of water. Claim your humanity or risk being your own worst enemy. Bring compassion to the messy.

Aries, your energy is pumping! Remember the game is about how you fit into the tribe, not about being an island! Use your inspiration, sense of adventure and courageous heart to go where you avoid, where angels fear to tread. Dedicate your actions to the whole of mankind!

Taurus, resistance is your Achille's heel and being stuck in your own reality is shooting yourself in the foot. Allies encourage you to feel the wound and heal. Trust your pragmatic sense of rightness and risk caring and compassion. Humbly write a check to Fishline to pass Go!

Gemini, feeling dull? Break up your routine to catch the flash of new thoughts. Get out of Dodge even if it's just a road trip to Sequim! Call your most adventurous buddy and engage in a brainstorm of wild ideas for humanity. Your mission is to keep ideas alive until their time comes.

Cancer, the cool Aquarian moon depersonalizes emotions so you can see universal patterns and law. You can take things so personally, you pinch compassionate feelings off. Take time to explore the tender, hidden places you rarely glimpse. How do you use them to isolate?

Leo, frankly, it's about your marriage partner. Even the people closest to you have childhoods full of emotional bumps and bruises. Get off stage and tend to your wounds. A little detachment opens the constraints of marriage to fresh breezes and new collaborations. Let them be a star in your world!

Virgo, revolution/evolution hits your work arena and daily habits. Recent scientific revelations inspire you to tweak routines. How's your nervous system? You're a head sort and busy cogitating even when you don't know it. Stay in your body and create real results.

Libra, your PR person says you long for relationships. Maybe. Or maybe they are too messy for your idealism. Is it easier to detach and stay above the fray? Jump into the mess, fall in love, have an affair. Ultimately you'll learn something about your heart. Care for your body's vague issues.

Scorpio, arrrgghhh, go deep or go home. What a royal pain - because it's at home and in your roots, childhood, mom, women and ancestors where the rub lies. The right viewpoint turns this into a grand adventure of self-discovery! Of all signs you can shed old skin and rebirth a shiny new one.

Sagittarius, to know truth is to share truth. Quiet times ignite generous aha moments as healing moves in. A personal, inspired view of how local, personal behavior impacts the globe moves you from philosophical ponderings to actions like writing and communicating. Sow your seeds far and wide.

Capricorn, (last - but not to be left out!) after a few years plodding along behind the scenes, you're on fire. You see the changes that move you forward and those that are a waste of time. It's a brilliant insight about how your human mind/heart is your greatest, most pragmatic resource.

O Stars Above: Leo Lunar Eclipse

Cosmic Invitations for Up-Grading our Humanity

Star patterns change like a circle in a spiral and a wheel within a wheel. Each day brings a sunrise and sunset and spring follows winter as surely as autumn follows summer. When we notice the rhythmic flow of the cosmos, we tap into the eternal and mysterious. Isn't it funny though how frustrated we are when a pattern repeats itself in our life. “What?! I thought I'd handled that!”

Eclipses bring repeating patterns around every nineteen years when they fall on the same degree, in the same sign and in the same place in birth charts. Where were you and what were you doing in 1999? What fork in the road did you take? Perhaps the one you didn't will return in a new form at this full moon (lunar) eclipse (January 31 at 5:26 am PST)?

An eclipse series, currently in Leo and Aquarius, keeps the focus on one section of the birth chart to give us a twenty-month independent study program. This lunar eclipse and the solar eclipse (February 15) re-energize points activated at the eclipses of August, 2017 – which were activated nineteen years ago, too. There's that circle in a spiral thing!

The Leo moon stirs longings to be loved as unconditionally as babies. But, alas, we grew up and were expected to be good, follow the rules and get along. So we denied aspects of ourselves in hope of attaining unconditional love. Denied emotions like jealousy, resentment, anger and loneliness crept in telling us sad, childish stories about our lives.

A lunar eclipse offers a glimpse at those shadowy emotions helping us release old (sob) stories and write new ones offering more love and acceptance for ourselves and therefore others. Venus traveling very close to the sun brings a new vision. “Expand into your universal hearts and don't hold back.” This love is not personal but of the Aquarian ideals: humanitarian, democratic, progressive, innovative and inclusive.

Cosmic patterns are constant invitations to engage in building awareness and and up-grading our humanity. Can we take our Golden Hearts (Leo) to all of humankind (Aquarian)? If we can't, what holds us back? Our inner work is our humanitarian work. How's that for amazing?

Horoscopes January 31 – February 15

Aquarius, happy birthday! These two years of eclipses in Leo and Aquarius call you to your humanitarian mission. You can inspire others to a more expansive vision. Partners help because they reflect what you like and don't like...about yourself. Isn't that annoying?!

Pisces, the humanitarian mission lives in your blind spot but service to others can keep you from being your own worse enemy. Find a more playful approach to work, health, daily routine and practical duties to entertain your inner child and avoid the whiny. Add daily sparkle!

Aries, your inner child energy drives you forward in the house of play and creativity. You want to stamp everything you touch with your stamp. Higher consciousness visions flood you now and look like amazing adventures. Go build houses for earthquake victims. Why not? Be a hero!

Taurus, you are a tad cranky stretched between work where you make money and wanting to be home in your castle. Your humanitarian efforts comes in the form of slow change, writing checks for good causes and writing it off as good business. Giving back to your roots is good for business.

Gemini, all work and no play makes Ms. Butterfly dreary indeed. If you can't get away on an adventure, go for plan B. Plan a trip now and commit to going later. Escape with a great book, or fabulous movie. You feel like an Iron Butterfly. Energize with daily doses of fun.

Cancer, strip down to essentials, get rid of stuff, organize what's left. Let go and feel free. Set up wills, insurance and annuities which might include your favorite charities. Be sure your budget includes fun, imaginative and showy items. Otherwise, your inner child will be whining to you. Mama!

Leo, you ARE the inner child and if feeling insecure or over- exposed, you could be haughty. Your partners adore you so ask straight out for what you need. Rip up old scripts and do a rewrite on your love story about self and others. When you feel radiant, you are a humanitarian!

Virgo, you're loving your work. Remember not to sacrifice your needs. That's an old pattern the Leo/Aquarius eclipse cycle is helping you break. Think about what you call play. It may have to do with a new planning notebook, but whatever it is, relax and create something tangible.

Libra, what could be more fun than being a hostess introducing shakers-and-movers to other shakers-and-movers. So fill your calendar: tete-a-tetes over coffee, lunch with friends who simply must meet, dinner parties with seating charts. Raise funds for your favorite charity.

Scorpio, it's time for weirdos in your living room. What (r)evolutionary ideas are you hosting? At work, you pass as normal but old habits pop up. If you aren't getting noticed, you could sulk. Deep in your foundation, eclipses are breaking ground. You won't know yourself this time next year!

Sagittarius, exercise can work off excess energy that you don't want spilling all over others who may push back. Talking, writing, publishing, e-mails, phone calls – you love being communication central. If you have to miss a trip (no sniveling), you're shaking and moving.

Capricorn, in the middle of your intense, personal renovation process comes "responsibility." Stop! Is it yours or theirs? Your partners align with your values. If not, you'll carry more than your share. Be “responsive” to you. Then act. It's about your authority to say yes. Or no.